On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) published a notice that it was adding 22 codes to its list of academic majors that are a STEM-Designated Degree Program and eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12-month period of training that is available to students in the F-1 immigration status after completing their program of study. OPT allows qualified international students to receive employment authorization to get work experience after graduation related to their academic major.
What is the OPT STEM extension?
Students in the F-1 immigration status with certain fields of study – which are noted on the STEM-Designated Degree Program List from USDHS – may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT training if reporting requirements are met.
What does this USDHS announcement mean?
The USDHS regularly updates its list of academic codes and majors on its STEM-Designated Degree Program List. This announcement means that students in the F-1 immigration status who complete programs on its list will now be eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of OPT. Many of the 22 new codes added to the list are multi-disciplinary in nature. A description of each addition is available on the NAFSA website.
This is considered by many a major step from the U.S. Government to increasing post-education career training opportunities to international students and scholars by broadening the definition of STEM fields. Others hope this may one day be followed by additional inclusivity and opportunities outside of STEM fields for students in the F-1 immigration status.
I’m interested in OPT. What are my next steps?
To learn more about OPT available to students in the F-1 immigration status and the steps you must complete to apply for it, visit the ISSO website at: https://globalnebraska.unl.edu/isso/optional-practical-training-opt-f-1-students.
If you have additional questions about OPT, these updates or your immigration status, please reach out to one of the support specialists at the International Student and Scholar Office. You can email isso@unl.edu to schedule an appointment or visit 201 Seaton Hall Monday through Thursday between 2:00-4:00 PM for walk-in advising.
More details at: https://go.unl.edu/kgy8